I start this episode by describing the concept of the Self – “Khod” in Persian – as an ongoing inner process. I then explore Rumi’s words on the way this Self, when liberated, can become a Lover or “Ashegh,” a site for the glow of the fire of life.
While the theme of love is going to come up time and again in these podcasts, this is the concluding episode focusing on it as its main theme. How do we speak of love with our limited and over-used human vocabulary? If we cannot describe this complex experience, what else can we do with it? If it is supposed to build us a new self, why does it feel overwhelming? Why is it so prevalent in our thoughts, words and other and other artistic creations? what do we give to Love? What do we gain from it?
Opening song: Arayesh e ghaliz, Homayun Shajarian
Producer: Sogand Seirafi
Graphic Designer: Amaal Yazdi
Editorial Consultant: Faezeh Lotfalian
Project Manager: Samar Ata
Audio editing: Tommy Hegarty
Technical assistance is provided by the Center for Innovation in Teaching at Learning, University of Maryland